38. Finding the Grace to Live a Full Life with Father Owen Moran

Let’s Slow Down: Simple + Intentional Living, Decluttering, Life on Purpose

In today's episode, I sit down with Father Owen Moran, the pastor of St. Luke Roman Catholic Church here in Long Valley, NJ. Father Owen is a beacon of peace and strength in my life and I was so honored that he agreed to come on the podcast. Some highlights of the episode are:

• Multitasking - it's making us crazed! Focus on simplicity
• Spend quiet time in nature - gaining strength and peace in the presence of God
• Build quiet times into our day for prayer and reflection
• Make the choice to live differently among the chaos
• Family Meals - integral to connect/interact as a family unit
• Parents need to take the time to engage in conversation but also active listening with their children
• Importance of Rest - set the tone for a good night's sleep, get off devices, spend time in prayer with God, go to sleep early
• Being mindful of bringing God into the beginning + end of your day
• Be the parent that facilitates peace and quiet and reflection
• Choosing wisely with youth sports - they can quickly overcome your family life if you let them - Father Owen suggests choosing one sport to allow space for free time
• Sunday Dinner - spend time in community with family and friends
• Sunday family meals gives the kids a nurturing, safe environment to run freely and exercise creativity and imagination
• Married Couples - take time at least once a month to reconnect
• Honor the natural beauty God created by getting outside to appreciate nature and unwind in God's presence

"God made a beautiful world, and He put human beings in charge. God gave us intellect, feeling, and emotion...and to truly experience those different ways of life we need to stop, listen, and enjoy around us."

- Father Owen

"We get one chance to live our lives, make the best of it, bring God into our life, and find the grace to live life to the fullest."

- Father Owen